Knotless Suture Anchor for Direct Acetabular Labrum Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally-invasive procedures for treating hip joint pathologies, particularly labrum re-attachment, are hindered by the constrained geometry and limited access of the hip joint, leading to complications such as indirect draw forces and the need for large suture anchors that cause unnecessary trauma and time-consuming knot tying.
Innovation Solution
A knotless suture anchor system is developed, featuring a loop of suture passed through the labrum and secured to a knotless anchor using a locking mechanism, allowing direct attachment to the acetabulum without knots, thereby reducing trauma and improving surgical efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional suture anchors with knots are used for labrum re-attachment, then secure attachment can be achieved, but surgical time increases and tissue trauma is exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the knot component from the suture anchor system entirely. The suture is directly integrated into the anchor body through a locking mechanism that eliminates the need for separate knot tying, thereby reducing surgical time while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture anchor system incorporates an automatic locking mechanism that secures the suture without requiring external intervention for knot tying. The locking element automatically engages with the suture when deployed, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating time-consuming manual knotting steps.
2Reliability
If traditional suture anchors with knots are used for labrum re-attachment, then secure attachment can be achieved, but tissue trauma increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the knot component from the system, the patent eliminates the source of tissue trauma associated with knot tying. The knotless design prevents mechanical damage to the labrum that would otherwise occur during knot formation and tightening.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-locking mechanism secures the suture through a controlled mechanical engagement that avoids the traumatic effects of manual knot tying. The locking element engages with the suture in a manner that minimizes stress concentration and tissue damage.
3Reliability
If large suture anchors are used for hip joint procedures, then attachment security is improved, but the constrained geometry and limited access of the hip joint are exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The suture anchor is divided into distinct functional segments: a delivery portion for minimally invasive insertion, a body portion for secure anchoring in bone, and a locking mechanism for suture retention. This segmentation allows the anchor to be small enough for hip joint access while maintaining secure attachment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture anchor is designed to be nested within a delivery device during insertion, allowing it to pass through small incisions and constrained pathways in the hip joint. The anchor then deploys from the delivery device to achieve its full functional size for secure attachment.
4Reliability
If knot tying is required for suture anchor deployment, then secure attachment can be achieved, but surgical efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the knot-tying step from the surgical procedure by integrating the locking function directly into the anchor body. This eliminates a time-consuming and skill-dependent step, thereby improving surgical efficiency while maintaining secure attachment through the built-in locking mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for securing a suture to bone includes positioning an anchor with a suture connected thereto within a hole in the bone using an insertion apparatus. The insertion apparatus includes a handle, a shaft mounted to the handle, and a retractable sheath movably mounted to the handle and disposed coaxially over the shaft. The retractable sheath is positioned within a conduit that is attached to the handle, and at least a portion of the anchor is positioned within the retractable sheath during positioning of the anchor within the hole. The insertion apparatus is controlled to withdraw the retractable sheath from the anchor. The anchor is configured to deploy within the hole in the bone and secure the suture to the bone.